Taxes in 2028
Federal tax policy, including the expiring provisions of the 2017 tax law and disputes over who pays what.
The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act significantly reduced individual and corporate tax rates, and many of its individual provisions were set to expire after 2025. Congress faced the question of whether to extend, modify, or allow those provisions to lapse, creating a major tax policy debate heading into 2028.
The top-line dispute involves whether the wealthy and corporations pay enough, whether the tax code is too complex, and what the appropriate role of the tax system is in addressing inequality and funding government services.
Questions include the treatment of capital gains, estate taxes, the salt deduction, and whether tax policy should be used as a tool to encourage specific economic behaviors like domestic manufacturing or green energy investment.
Why it matters in 2028
With major tax provisions potentially in flux, the 2028 election will effectively be a referendum on who should bear the tax burden. Candidates' positions on corporate and individual tax rates will have significant implications for the national debt, income distribution, and the funding of government programs.
How each party frames taxes
A neutral summary of each party's general governing approach. Individual 2028 candidates will differ - no nominee has been chosen yet.
Democratic approach
Democrats broadly favor a tax code that asks more of higher-income individuals and large corporations, often arguing that the wealthy and corporations have accumulated disproportionate gains over recent decades. Many support higher rates on capital gains, a higher corporate tax rate, and minimum taxes on very large companies. Democrats typically frame tax increases on the wealthy as a way to fund public investments and reduce the deficit.
Republican approach
Republicans generally favor lower tax rates across the board, arguing that cutting taxes spurs economic growth and allows individuals and businesses to make better decisions than government. Many in the party prioritize extending or making permanent the 2017 tax cuts and oppose rate increases. Republicans tend to argue that tax increases on corporations are ultimately passed on to workers and consumers.
Who is in the field on taxes
No party has nominated a 2028 candidate yet. As contenders formally declare and stake out positions on taxes, each candidate profile will be updated. The leading contenders so far:
Democratic contenders
- Gavin NewsomLikely to run
- Kamala HarrisLikely to run
- Pete ButtigiegLikely to run
- Alexandria Ocasio-CortezLikely to run
- Josh ShapiroLikely to run
Republican contenders
- JD VanceLikely to run
- Marco RubioLikely to run
- Ron DeSantisLikely to run
- Ted CruzPossible
- Rand PaulPossible
Tracker updated July 14, 2026. Click any name to see their full profile, background, and current status.
What 2028 will have to answer on taxes
- Would candidates extend the 2017 tax cuts that are set to expire?
- Would taxes go up or down for middle-income households?
- What would candidates do about the corporate tax rate?
- How do candidates propose to fund the national debt and government programs?
- What would change about taxes on investments and inherited wealth?
Other 2028 issues
How 2028 candidates plan to manage economic growth, consumer prices, and the cost of living.
Border enforcement, legal immigration pathways, and the future of undocumented immigrants already in the U.S.
Federal and state abortion policy after the Supreme Court returned the issue to state legislatures in 2022.
Health insurance coverage, drug prices, and the long-running debate over the structure of the American health system.
Employment levels, minimum wage, union rights, and the future of work in an era of automation and AI.
The future solvency and structure of the two largest federal entitlement programs for older Americans.